AirAsia’s record order of 150 A220 jets marks the largest deal for the model, boosting Airbus’s commercial aircraft portfolio.
KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus has confirmed today that AirAsia Bhd has placed an order for 150 A220 aircraft, the largest order for the model so far.
Lars Wagner, Airbus chief executive officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, announced it in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, at 2.30pm Wednesday (3am local time).
Also present was Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who is also the founder of the Malaysian low-cost airline.
“This order is a massive vote of confidence in this facility, and in the people of Mirabel, of Quebec, and of Canada. And actually, every aircraft Fernandes will receive that comes out of the Mirabel facilities.
“It demonstrates as well that it was right for us to bring the A220 under the wings of the full Airbus portfolio. Let’s go and build these planes from this hangar and get them into your fleet as soon as possible. Let me end by saying, in my words, today is a win-win day,” Wagner said in his speech.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney witnessed the landmark deal announcement.
Wagner said with AirAsia’s order, the twinjet has now surpassed 1,100 orders, describing it as a great milestone for the A220 programme.
He also said Airbus’ game-changing aircraft would allow AirAsia to connect to cities that haven’t been connected so far.
“And the A220, as everyone, I’m sure, in this room knows, is the only clean-sheet design in its class, and that is shown by the numbers, minus 25 per cent of fuel burn reduction and CO2 reduction,” he added.
A220, the smallest in Airbus’ commercial jet lineup, is a narrow-body aircraft designed for short to medium-haul routes. It is purpose-built for the 100 to 160-seat aircraft category.
